Shoe Insert

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein is a shoe insert for removable placement in a shoe and in particular, a high-heeled shoe. The shoe insert is made from a thermoplastic gel material. The insert has a sole section, a front section, a rear section, a top section and side sections. The gel insert being sized and shaped to fit into the confines of the shoe without dramatically changing the shoe size. In a preferred exemplary embodiment, the insert is made from an SEBS material. In one exemplary embodiment, the insert has a closed toe section. In another exemplary embodiment, the insert has an open toe section.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the field of shoe inserts. More particularly, the invention relates to the field of shoe inserts where the insets are made from a gel material. And, even more particularly, the invention relates to high heel shoe inserts.

2. Background

As the Beach Boys advised in their 1971 LP “Take Good Care Of Your Feet” (“Surfs Up”, third track, “Take A Load Off Your Feet”.) Since 1971, our knowledge about feet and how they affect our health has greatly increased. It turns out that the Beach Boys may well have been onto something significant. Our feet are the end point of neuromuscular system. The amount of nerve endings in our feet are quite substantial and quite literally without healthy feet, our entire neuromuscular system can easily be put into jeopardy.

In fact, the study of Reflexology has shown that the reflexes on the feet are a mirror image of all the organs, glands and parts of the body. Reflexology has created charted maps of the reflexes according to the anatomical model, which are beginning to be accepted by even conventional western medical practice. And, so one would be quite correct in saying, “Good health all starts with your feet.”

However and very often, antithetical to good health is fashion. For example, women's high-heel shoes are not the ideal environment for foot health. While the high-heeled shoes, especially the elite fashionable ones, are beautiful and give women a sexy and glamorous look, they often require women to basically contort their feet in unnatural ways which add stress to the feet and cause discomfort.

Additionally, in some high-heeled shoes the heel may be raised 3″, 4″, 6″ or more than the toes. Again, while this provides the user with a desirable look and meets the requirements of high fashion, but it does so at the cost of overall foot health.

Additionally, as is well known, feet under stress tend to dry out more quickly than otherwise. Thus, long term users of high-heeled shoes find their foot skin dries more quickly than otherwise.

As is well known, high-heeled shoes provide the user with the desired look and appeal. However, the look and appeal is provided at the cost of foot health. There is a long felt need for providing the user of such high-heeled shoes with a way of minimizing the costs of foot health without sacrificing fashion requirements. Applicant herein provides a device that relieves a substantial amount of stress while, at the same time allowing the user to continue wearing their favorite high-heeled shoes and minimizing the damage of such usage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Applicant herein discloses a new, novel and highly functional way for a user to minimize the damage of wearing high-heeled shoes. The high heel liner of the present invention is suitable for persons who have to stand for long periods of time or must walk on hard floors or just want to wear high heels for everyday looks. The shoe insert provided herein includes a portion supporting the foot arch, the top of the toes and back of heel from blisters. In one exemplary embodiment, the high heel liner comprises a soft flexible silicone material which contours to any feet size and shape. The silicone layer extends a 360 degree angle covering the whole foot. In another embodiment, the upper side of the high heel liner is formed by a covering layer of silicone which has a finely nodular surface under the arch surface which there is provided a pad for supporting the arch or central bones of the foot.

In an exemplary embodiment, the applicant herein provides a shoe insert for placement in a shoe. The shoe insert defines a gel insert. The gel insert has a sole section, a front section defining a toe section, a rear section, a top section and side sections. The gel insert is sized and shaped to fit into the confines of the shoe and the gel insert is made from a thermoplastic material. Particularly, the thermoplastic material is from the family of materials known as SEBS plastics.

In another exemplary embodiment, the shoe insert has a dimple pattern. The dimple pattern in one exemplary embodiment is formed on the interior of the shoe insert. In another exemplary embodiment, the dimple pattern in one exemplary embodiment is formed on the exterior of the shoe insert. In other exemplary embodiments the dimple pattern is formed based upon a Reflexology to cause the user to get a massage effectively through walking.

In another exemplary embodiment, the gel is chosen from a group of SEBS materials to create a moisturizing effect upon the user wearing the shoe and foot insert. The moisturizing effect has the ability to help resolve cracking and dry skin on the feet. The gel insert of the instant embodiment defines a moisturizing gel sock.

In another exemplary embodiment, the shoe insert is comparatively thin and therefore does not occupy a substantial amount of space in the shoe. The shoe insert in accordance with the invention is therefore particularly suitable for women's' high heels even ballet shoes since gel does not project upward to a great extent and cannot be seen from outside the shoe. The insert can be sold separately and placed in the shoe by the user.

The shoe insert is easily slipped into the heels. The soft gel insert ensures there is a layer of air left between the foot and the covering layer of the insert. A healthful environment is maintained within the shoe.

Using SEBS material covering all around the feet, the toes are not smashed and blistered. In fact, the back of the user's heel is not blistered from use and pressure is relieved from the foot.

The SEBS material allows the insert to adapt to the foot of the user during use.

Finally, in another exemplary embodiment, the insert is Strawberry scented. Other scents are within the spirit and scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

For a further understanding of the objects and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which like parts are given like reference numerals and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of an exemplary foot insert in accordance with the disclosure herein.

FIG. 2 is a side plan illustration of an exemplary foot insert in accordance with the disclosure herein.

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan illustration of an exemplary foot insert in accordance with the disclosure herein.

FIG. 4 is a perspective illustration of another exemplary foot insert in accordance with the disclosure herein.

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan illustration of another exemplary foot insert in accordance with the disclosure herein.

FIG. 6 is a plan illustration of another exemplary foot insert in accordance with the disclosure herein.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the dimple of one exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSED ELECTRONIC GAME AND GAMING TOOL

The invention will now be described with respect to FIGS. 1-7, which illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosure herein. Particularly, with respect to FIG. 1, there is shown a shoe insert 10, disclosed by the Applicant herein and indicated generally by the numeral 10. The shoe insert 10 disclosed herein is designed to be fit within the confines of the shoe (not shown). Preferably the shoe insert 10 replaces the insole from the manufacturer of the shoe without causing the shoe size to be changed by a user. The original equipment shoe insole is merely pulled out in the ordinary manner and shoe insert, in accordance with the disclosure and claims herein, is inserted into the replacing the original equipment shoe insole. In the same manner as the original equipment shoe insole, the shoe insert, in accordance with the disclosure and claims herein is secured within the shoe. However, as will be noted below, the exemplary embodiment discussed and described herein includes additional enhancement to further secure the shoe insert, in accordance with the disclosure and claims herein within the shoe.

The insert 10 includes a sole section 12 located at the bottom of the insert and being that portion of the shoe insert 10 which interacts with the sole of the user's foot as the user walks with her foot inside the shoe. The insert 10 includes a front or toe section 14, the section where the user's toes will interact with the shoe insert 10. The insert 10 includes a rear section 16, the section where the user's heel will interact with the shoe insert 10. The insert 10 includes side sections 18, where the sides of the user's feet will interact with the shoe insert 10.

With particular reference to FIGS. 1-3, there is shown a first exemplary embodiment of the shoe insert 10, known as the closed toe insert. The closed toe insert features a toe section which is closed as compared with the open toe toe section of FIGS. 4-6 in another exemplary embodiment.

As is common with women's shoes, they come either in open toe or closed toe. Clearly, it is advantageous to provide the user with a choice of either a closed toe foot insert or an open toe foot insert. The shoe insert described and claimed herein can be readily adapted to provide either design depending on the user's wishes.

In an exemplary embodiment of the shoe insert 10, the sole section has an inside surface 20 and an outside surface 22. The shoe insert 10 includes a dimple pattern, generally indicated by the numeral 24 of FIG. 7. In one exemplary embodiment, the dimple pattern appears on the outside surface. In this embodiment, the dimples 24 provide additional friction against the inside of the shoe after the shoe insole has been replaced with the foot insert 10. Thus, the shoe insert 10 is more securely with the shoe than the original equipment shoe insole.

In another exemplary embodiment, the dimple pattern appears on the inside surface. The dimples in one exemplary embodiment are strategically arranged on the inside surface 20 of the foot insert 10. The dimple pattern 24 matches the pressure points in a foot Reflexology chart. Thus, as the user walks, the dimples massage the user's feet by providing pressure against the foot at the point of the dimple which corresponds to a point along the Reflexology chart.

In another exemplary embodiment, it will be understood that the dimple pattern 24 is on the inside in some sections and on the outside in other sections. The pattern can be customized to fit the function desired. For example in another exemplary embodiment on the dimple pattern alternates from one section to another section.

In another exemplary embodiment, the insert 10 is made from a thermoplastic elastomer or TPE and is in the form of a foot gel. Additional, preferred embodiments include the foot insert 10 being in the form of a gel and made from a material known as SEBS or styrenic TPE's or more formally, styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene based thermoplastic.

The SEBS material is highly developed thermoplastic. Initially, there were two grades of SEBS, RP6935 & RP6936. Each of these grades has its advantages in creating a shoe insert 10. The precise grade is determined to match the user's needs based upon qualities of feel, ability to resist heat, durability and strength. Additionally, the qualities of being non-toxic and elastic are taken into account when choosing the material from which shoe insert 10 is made.

In the case of SEBS material RP6936, it has a styrene content of at least 39%. In the case of SEBS material RP6935, it has a styrene content of at least 58%.

Other SEBS compounds have also been developed by various manufacturers. Kraton, for example, has created a relatively soft SEBS, which is ideal for certain shoe wearers, especially women wearing high-heeled shoes that desire a less firm fit and more comfort. This material is known as Kraton MD6945.

It will be appreciated that each of the different SEBS compounds offers various advantages. It is thus within the spirit and scope of the disclosure and claims herein to offer the foot insert 10 in any number of the presently known SEBS compounds and those that will be developed over time.

With particular reference to FIGS. 3-6, there is shown another exemplary embodiment of the foot insert 110 in accordance with the disclosure and claims herein. The insert 110 includes a sole section 112 located at the bottom of the insert and being that portion of the shoe insert 110 which interacts with the sole of the user's foot as the user walks with her foot inside the shoe. The insert 110 includes a front or toe section 114, the section where the user's toes will interact with the shoe insert 110. The insert 110 includes a rear section 16, the section where the user's heel will interact with the shoe insert 110. The insert 110 includes side sections 18, where the sides of the user's feet will interact with the shoe insert 110.

FIGS. 4-6 illustrate the next exemplary embodiment of the shoe insert 110, known as the open toe insert. The open toe insert features a toe section which is open as compared with the closed toe section of FIGS. 1-3 in the earlier described exemplary embodiment. It will be appreciated that all of the features and structure discussed above with regard to the closed toe embodiment applies equally to the open toe embodiment of FIGS. 4-6. The only difference being the open toe section of FIGS. 4-6 as compared to the closed toe section of FIGS. 1-3. In all other aspects, including the material from which each embodiment is made is equally applicable from one embodiment to the other.

In an exemplary embodiment of the shoe insert 110, the sole section has an inside surface 120 and an outside surface 22. The shoe insert 110 includes a dimple pattern, generally indicated by the numeral 124. In one exemplary embodiment, the dimple pattern appears on the outside surface. In this embodiment, the dimples 124 provide additional friction against the inside of the shoe after the shoe insole has been replaced with the foot insert 110. Thus, the shoe insert 110 is more securely with the shoe than the original equipment shoe insole.

In another exemplary embodiment, the dimple pattern 124 appears on the inside surface. The dimples in one exemplary embodiment are strategically arranged on the inside surface 120 of the foot insert 110. The dimple pattern 124 matches the pressure points in a foot Reflexology chart. Thus, as the user walks, the dimples massage the user's feet by providing pressure against the foot at the point of the dimple which corresponds to a point along the Reflexology chart.

While the foregoing detailed description has described several embodiments of the foot insert in accordance with this disclosure, it is to be understood that the above description is illustrative only and not limiting of the disclosed invention. Particularly, the various compounds suitable for the insert may vary depending upon the type of insert to be provided for the user or group of users. Additional, other variations are noted above and will be readily understood by those skilled in the art of creating such devices as well as those who are familiar with using such devices. It will be appreciated that the embodiments discussed above and the virtually infinite embodiments that are not mentioned are within the scope and spirit of this invention. Thus, the invention is to be limited only by the claims as set forth below. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A shoe insert for placement in a shoe, comprising: a gel insert, having a sole section, a front section defining a toe section, a rear section, a top section and side sections; the gel insert being sized and shaped to fit into the confines of the shoe; and the gel insert being made from an thermoplastic material.
 2. A shoe insert as set forth in claim 1, wherein the sole section has an inside and an outside surface, and wherein there is a dimple pattern on at least one of the surfaces.
 3. A shoe insert as set forth in claim 2, wherein the sole section has a dimple pattern on the inside surface of the sole section designed for massaging a foot in the shoe.
 4. A shoe insert as set forth in claim 2, wherein the sole section has a dimple pattern on the outside surface of the sole section designed for providing extra grip between the shoe and the foot insert.
 5. A shoe insert as set forth in claim 1, wherein the toe section has an inside and an outside surface, and wherein there is a dimple pattern on at least one of the surfaces.
 6. A shoe insert as set forth in claim 5, wherein the toe section has a dimple pattern on the inside surface of the sole section designed for massaging toes in the shoe.
 7. A shoe insert as set forth in claim 5, wherein the toe section has a dimple pattern on the outside surface of the sole section designed for providing extra grip between the shoe and the foot insert.
 8. A shoe insert as set forth in claim 1, wherein the side sections have an inside and an outside surface, and wherein there is a dimple pattern on at least one of the surfaces.
 9. A shoe insert as set forth in claim 8, wherein the side sections have a dimple pattern on the inside surface of the sole section designed for massaging the sides of feet within the shoe.
 10. A shoe insert as set forth in claim 8, wherein the side sections have a dimple pattern on the outside surface of the sole section designed for providing extra grip between the shoe and the foot insert.
 11. A shoe insert as set forth in claim 8, wherein the toe section has a dimple pattern on the outside surface of the sole section designed for providing extra grip between the shoe and the foot insert.
 12. A shoe insert as set forth in claim 1, wherein the gel is made from a family of SEBS plastic material.
 13. A shoe insert as set forth in claim 12, wherein the gel is made from a family of SEBS material known as RP6936 having at least 39% styrene.
 14. A shoe insert as set forth in claim 12, wherein the gel is made from a family of SEBS material known as RP6935 having at least 58% styrene.
 15. A shoe insert as set forth in claim 13, wherein the gel is made from material that has the characteristic of 65 shore A grade.
 16. A shoe insert as set forth in claim 14, wherein the gel is made from material that has the characteristic of 85 shore A grade.
 17. A shoe insert as set forth in claim 1, wherein the gel is made from material that has the characteristic of 65 shore A grade.
 18. A shoe insert for placement in a high-heeled shoe, comprising: a gel insert, having a sole section, a front section, a rear section, a top section and side sections; the gel insert being sized and shaped to fit into the confines of the shoe; the gel insert being made from a thermoplastic material.
 19. A shoe insert as set forth in claim 18, wherein the gel is made from a family of materials known as SEBS plastics.
 20. A shoe insert as set forth in claim 19, wherein the gel is made from moisturizing material and the insert defines a moisturizing gel sock. 